Council completes budget process as officials emphasize collaboration and long-term financial stability
BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Bossier City Council gave final approval Tuesday, Nov. 3, to the city’s 2027 operating and capital budgets, completing a review process that included revisions aimed at eliminating an approximately $2 million general fund shortfall.
Council members adopted the budgets during their regular meeting following a public hearing. The approval establishes the city’s operating and capital spending plans for 2027.
The council consolidated the individual budget ordinances for consideration before voting to approve the operating and capital budgets.
During the public hearing, LSU Shreveport political science professor and local columnist Jeff Sadow praised council members for addressing the earlier projected deficit.
“I applaud you for your closing the roughly $2 million deficit that was in the general fund,” Sadow told the council.
Sadow also urged city leaders to preserve financial reserves and avoid returning to deficit spending.
“I would argue though that you need to keep it there or keep it close to there so no deficit spending more or less,” he said.
Referencing figures from the city’s 2025 financial report, Sadow raised concerns about future debt obligations, including approximately $76 million in principal and interest that he said would come due in 2030.
He suggested that maintaining substantial reserves or establishing a dedicated contingency fund could help the city prepare for those obligations. He also referenced the potential for additional sales tax revenue associated with data center development.
The debt figures cited by Sadow were based on his interpretation of the city’s earlier financial report and were not independently verified during the meeting.
Council recognizes work on budget revisions
Council President Brian Hammons acknowledged the work of fellow council members in revising the budget before its final adoption.
Hammons specifically recognized Councilman Joel Gerard for his contributions to the process.
“Doing this is teamwork and we all bring something different to the table,” Hammons said.
He added that Gerard had played a significant role in developing adjustments to the spending plan.
“I don’t know if we would have gotten as creative if he wouldn’t have been here,” Hammons said.
The council had discussed changes to the proposed budgets at previous meetings as members worked to reconcile projected revenues with planned expenditures.
Tuesday’s approval concludes the formal adoption process and establishes the financial framework for city operations and capital improvements in 2027.
The adopted budgets will guide spending across municipal departments, infrastructure projects and other city services during the coming year.